I was diagnosed with MS in April 2005 and Lyme one month later. I took a variety of antibiotics for 1 1/2 years for the Lyme and no treatment for the MS. Although always initially feeling sick with the antiobiotics (Herxheimer reactions), I always subsequently improved and felt much better to the point I asked to go off of them for a while. It's been 8 months since I've had an antibiotic. Feel like slowly, but surely am continuing to slide backwards while off the antibiotic. Most recent MRI showed two new lesions, one being in my C-spine with resultant balance problems. Am now scheduled for a C/L/T MRI of my spine, EMG and on my third neurologist to try and figure out what to do. Am now considering IV antibiotics (Rocephin) and possibly Copaxone.
Although there is so much controversy surrounding the use of antibiotis, feel there is SOMETHING to this, even if it is just MS I have. I can't explain it, but even if MS is not caused by a bacterial infection, the antibiotics do HELP ME. I don't care what my diagnosis is--I only care how I FEEL. It's frustrating, though--even if antibiotics help, how can you be on them for the rest of your life and what about antibiotic resistance? I keep praying that the science will catch up with the reality of these diseases.
Wish you luck with your trial of Minocycline. If you do initially feel sick while taking these, try to hang in there and get past that initial response to see what the long term effect is.